"Orthogonal" is a commonly used adjective in quantum mechanics used to distinguish to mathematical functions that have no spatial overlap, e.g., two p-orbitals on the same atom. Extending the concept to how Friedman used it is really no stretch: link.

"Orthogonal" is a commonly used adjective in quantum mechanics used to distinguish to mathematical functions that have no spatial overlap, e.g., two p-orbitals on the same atom.

No, "orthogonal" is a mathematical term used to describe two functions for which the inner product is zero. As it happens, some wavefunctions have that property, so that's why it is used in that context.

I don't think of "orthogonal" as an unusual word at all; and physicists (of which I am one) and math geeks use it in the same context as Friedman did all the time. It's kind of in "in" joke.

In mathematics, orthogonal is a synonym for perpendicular, which is the same as saying that the inner product (or dot product or scalar product, all of which is the same) is equal to zero. In a law context it might be equivalent to saying that something is not "on point," i.e., not applicable or dispositive regarding the matter at hand.

The basic concept is taught in standard sophomore vector calculus and differential equations courses. Standard fare for every science major. More evidence that Brooks' "educated class" is really a "poorly, but expensively educated class."

"Orthogonal" is a commonly used adjective in quantum mechanics used to distinguish to mathematical functions that have no spatial overlap, e.g., two p-orbitals on the same atom. Extending the concept to how Friedman used it is really no stretch.

Except didn't he invoke geometry, which uses orthogonal to describe a specific perpendicular relationship between vectors, to explain the term to the Supreme Court?

That's where I think the muddle is -- between his use and explanation of the term.

wv-"pring" = Titus' reaction were he to see Scott Brown campaigning in Cambridge

I don't like hearing journalists use these words, like "orthogonal", "inflection point", and "exponential"; a lot of times they get them wrong.

It filters through to my students. A lot of them will say that something "increases exponentially" without realizing that "exponential" does not mean "grows without limit"; it's a very specific claim about the RATE of growth.

I think "ortho" is best rendered "correct"; this is why we say "right angle", it's the correct one for building things. You also have orthodox (correct opinion), orthography (correct writing).

I think it's also interesting that "sinister" literally means left-handed, "dexterity" means "righthandedness". Left is evil and clumsy, right is correct and skillful.

Are there amny little boys who think they are amonster? But in my case I am right said Geryon to thedog they were sitting on the bluffs The dog regarded himjoyfully

XXI Wings

Steps off a scraped March sky and sinks Upinto the blind Atlantic morning a small reddog jumping across the beach miles belowlike a Freed Shadow

XXII Herakles' Killing Club

Little red dog did not see it he felt it All events carry butone

XXIII Herakles' Arrow

Arrow means kill It parted Geryon's skull like a comb Made the boy neck lean At an odd slow angle sideways As when a poppy shames itself in a sudden whip of Nude breeze

XXV Total Things Known about Geryon

He loved lightning He lived on an island His mother was anymph of a river that ran to the sea His father was a goldcutting tool Old scholia say that Stesichoros says thatGeryon had six hands and six feet and wings He was red andhis strange red cattle excited envy Herakles came andkilled him for his cattle Killed the dog (named Orthos meaning Straight Up)

Vinny Gambini: It is possible that the two yutes...Judge Chamberlain Haller: ...Ah, the two what? Uh... uh, what was that word?Vinny Gambini: Uh... what word?Judge Chamberlain Haller: Two what?Vinny Gambini: What?Judge Chamberlain Haller: Uh... did you say 'yutes'?Vinny Gambini: Yeah, two yutes.Judge Chamberlain Haller: What is a yute?[beat]Vinny Gambini: Oh, excuse me, your honor...[exaggerated]Vinny Gambini: Two YOUTHS.